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Imagine being able to hear exactly what family, friends, and coworkers think of you without knowing who is behind each comment. It's enticing to the millions of people who've downloaded the massively popular new app Sararah since it was released in June. Adweek reports that it's currently the top free iPhone app on iTunes. Created by a developer in Saudi Arabia, Sararah, which means "honesty" or "candor" in Arabic, offers just that—a platform for totally anonymous direct text messages, reports the Telegraph. What started as a tool for constructive workplace feedback has gone mainstream, and fast, with some raving about the feedback and others calling it "evil" and an "excuse to bully people."

Here's how it works: Users register online or download the app to a phone, share their link via social media, and wait. Messages can come from anyone (including people who haven't signed up for Sarahah themselves, unless you change the setting allowing it), are anonymous, and cannot be replied to—although USA Today reports that some users work around this by taking a screenshot and broadcasting a reply on platforms like Twitter and Snapchat. A cyber safety expert tells ABC Australia that any service like this "will lend itself to anonymous bullying," while reporting abuse is difficult since people don't have to register to send a message. "When it comes to no face, we can see how the internet can be," a stand-up comedian tells KMTV. "So it's terrifying." The counter argument? Don't sign up for it in the first place. (Some call cell phones a "lethal weapon" when in the hands of certain kids.)

So, if I understand this correctly, you have to register to receive anonymous comments. That's good, but no thanks. I'm married, so I receive all the one-sided criticisms I need.

TrollRoad

Aug 13, 2017 6:54 AM CDT

Why would I want to screw with my great self-image? I'm guessing this is one social media app Donald will avoid.

Weimanszuthree

Aug 13, 2017 4:51 AM CDT

who cares...the NSA has spent billions of our hard earned tax $$ to 'protect' us with all this information gathering. And, then you have all of their 'partners' that provide you with internet giving them the best head you could imagine. All for what? So, they can pin shit on you 20 years later. "Oh, look you admitted to cheating on your taxes 25 years ago in an email to your best friend." Total BS